Vegas Affiliates Reverses Terms Changes and is Reinstated on GPWA

[CityGuard]

The History
Vegas Affiliates had previously changed their terms and internal practices in a manner that reduced affiliate earnings by adding a termination clause if affiliates fell below a minimum player delivery threshold, and by combining their brands under a single payment rather than separating payments (meaning a negative balance for one could wipe out a positive on others).

Both changes initially applied retroactively -- to all affiliates and to previously-delivered players, rather than to new affiliates or only new players.

The now-former affiliate manager successfully persuaded management to adjust the minimum activity / minimum player delivery threshold so that it would apply specifically to new affiliates rather than retroactively.

Amidst criticism that arose from at the same time these commission reductions occurred, the same now-former affiliate manager made statements to a number of affiliates that felt threatening and inappropriate. There was a great deal of concern raised, and over time the responsiveness dropped off.

As a result of the policy changes with only partial reversal, and the growing non-responsiveness, GPWA revoked Vegas Affiliates' sponsorship. We created a special affiliate program warnings section for discussions about Vegas Affiliates, and continued contact with the program about reversing the policy changes. In mentioning our efforts I would be remiss not to highlight and note appreciation for the significant work from Affiliate Guard Dog (AGD) and the Association of Players, Casinos, and Webmasters (APCW), as well as countless affiliates individually contacting the program -- there was a truly community-wide effort among gambling affiliates.


The Resolution
During this time there was a staff change at the program. The affiliate manager whose comments had felt threatening moved on from the program. Monica Rangel took up responsibility for the affiliate program, and worked tirelessly to lay out a convincing case to their management.

These efforts were successful, and effective today the bundling and inactivity policies have been reversed. The program sent the following message to their affiliates to announce the change and to announce other program improvements:

Dear Affiliates,

Since Vegas Affiliates is highly considered as one of the well established and most reputable affiliate program we have always strived to do the best by our affiliates and partners, following the industry’s trends in a positive way and have committed ourselves to a continuous effort to improve our policies and offering in order to establish a long lasting relationship with those who continue to support us and grow our brands.

While working towards these goals, we have improved our communication with affiliates and affiliate associations such as AGD, GPWA, APCW, among others, who have contributed invaluably to our goals, of better understanding the concerns and needs of the affiliates who work with us and future affiliates, whilst trying to project changes that would effectively address previous issues. We wish to acknowledge the efforts and contributions and support of all the affiliate communities that we have been working with and assure you that we listen to your opinions in the highest regards.

Having said that, over the past few months we have been reviewing several policies introduced in 2009 for our existing affiliates and are pleased to announce the following positive changes:

1. Contradicting what had been announced on June 1st 2009, Vegas Affiliates will not retroactively change the content of their Terms and Conditions. We will honor our commitment to affiliates who signed our agreement prior to the aforementioned date. These affiliates shall not be subjected to the bundling of casino earnings policy starting from the 1st of April 2010. This policy change was submitted following an industry trend and it was never our intent to antagonize or eschew affiliates from the decision making process. We are certain that this development will be beneficial for all our affiliates and we will continue in our efforts to improve.
2. As a part the enhancements, we will also be removing the minimum activity quota. This quota was introduced to be a part of an incentive package and not with the purpose of pushing affiliates into a uncomfortable situation. There will always be a place for affiliates within our program even if life’s ventures drive them astray for a short period of time.
3. With the purpose of providing the best possible service to our affiliates we will also introduce a tighter payment schedule which will enable a better workflow for both parties.

Vegas Affiliates is well aware that certain matters surrounding particular issues with our changes to the Terms and Conditions was not handled always most appropriately. We can assure you that Vegas Affiliates has the best interest of our Partners in mind and is always striving to bridge any gaps there might be. Furthermore we have never turned away any reasonable suggestions or open conversations and our team has made best efforts in our communications. As part of our ongoing commitment our new management team is very eager in implementing solid plans and putting our partners at the forefront. Before going any further I believe I should present both a apology and a message to our affiliates. An apology to all that have felt pressured, alienated, and displeased with our program over the last few months due to recent changes. Change never comes without consequence and in our attempts to move forward we may have lost sight of the people who work every day to promote our brands to the world. We assure all of our affiliates that our promise to you stands firm and we will continue growing as a solid and reputable and affiliate-friendly program with innovative ideas.

And because we said in our subject line we would have even more good news, Vegas Affiliates is proud to introduce the following changes that will be occurring over the month of April:

1. We will be changing the Terms & Conditions, reflecting a more professional and proficient description of our relationship with Affiliates. We felt the previous terms were missing useful information for Affiliates and were unclear regarding our approach to the program. You can consult these terms by clicking here.
2. The Vegas Affiliates website and reporting software will now be available in multiple languages with multiple language support. Portuguese, Spanish, French and German are just a few of the languages that will be implemented. This will be accompanied by hard working and eager to help affiliate managers that will be available in your language.
3. We will also be introducing some new marketing and reporting tools that with more effective tools and resources to promote our Casinos. Among other things we will have a casino reviews section, more banner choices to meet your website’s needs, and a larger selection of multilingual banners for each casino so you can effectively target your chosen markets. We will, additionally, offer many other exciting changes that have been designed to facilitate your work with our program.
4. Last, but most certainly not least, we will be introducing a series of very exciting competitions to get our affiliates involved. Competition will bring excellent affiliate prizes such as exciting trips to paradise or a trip to see a supercharged sporting event!.

Vegas Affiliates will be a proud sponsor and presence in the iGaming Super Show in Prague from the 25th to the 28th of May 2010. Networking, high level conferences and of course an unique opportunity to meet us face to face and share with us your views, opinions and success stories. Hope to see you there, please book your personal appointment with one of our affiliate team members and secure your VIP seat at our prestigious chill out lounge. For further information please email us at info@vegasaffiliates.com.


Best wishes,
Affiliate Team and Management

[CityGuard]

In light of the significant work, responsiveness, and dedication by the new team focused on the affiliate program, and the major policy change that resolves the prior commission reductions issues, GPWA has welcomed Vegas Affiliates to reinstate their sponsorship and they have done so.

In addition to the policy changes, Vegas Affiliates is also running two special promotions to giving back to the community that has helped them steer back on the right path.

Revenue share promo
New affiliates will receive 40% revenue share for the first three months. The sign-up form is available here.

$500 Promo
Affiliates who refer 35 depositing players within three months will receive a bonus $500 on top of their regular commissions. The full promo details are available at http://www.vegasaffiliates.com/affiliatecompetition.

Or, for additional information about the program you can check out the Vegas Affiliate program review of the Vegas Affiliates forums.